What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Director position at Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance?

Job Description

Development Director

Position Type : Regular Full-Time Exempt

Location : Minneapolis, MN 55403

Introduction :

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) is seeking a dedicated individual to be part of our dynamic team. If you’re ready to contribute your skills and compassion to meaningful work making a real difference in today’s changing times, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Advancement collaborates with leaders across the organization to build processes and infrastructure for our organization’s future sustainability.

The Director of Advancement leads the fundraising efforts of MMLA and the associated Fund for Legal Aid (The Fund). The Fund is a separate non-profit corporation with the sole purpose of generating financial support from primarily the Minneapolis and Hennepin County legal community for MMLA. The Fund is managed by MMLA and is governed by its own separate Board of Directors.

In close collaboration with the Executive Director, this position has principal responsibility for the vision, strategy, and operations of fundraising and development within the organization. This position leads initiatives to move the organization forward through a comprehensive approach to resource development, including through the cultivation of relationships and investments from law firms, foundations, corporations, government, and more.

This position oversees law firm / corporate giving; cultivation / stewardship events; individual and major gifts; donor relations; operating, capital and endowment campaigns; online giving; planned giving; and government, foundation, and corporate grants.

This position directs an experienced five-member Development Team. This position works closely with the Communications Director to ensure that all fundraising and external communications activities complement and amplify each other. This position serves as a member of the Management Committee and is a key player in the development of organizational priorities, including strategic planning, staffing, and budgeting.

This position serves as senior staff liaison to MMLA’s governing Board of Directors Fundraising Committee, and as Secretary to The Fund’s separate Board of Directors.

What’s in it for you?

We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.
On Fridays, the office closes at noon and employees enjoy a half-day of paid flex time.
MMLA provides on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for growth within the organization.
An opportunity to build a robust and comprehensive development program with a team of dedicated fundraising professionals.

Why MMLA?

We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re genuinely committed to diversity. Bring your unique identity, experiences, and perspectives—we want them all!

We believe differences such as age, race, culture, ability, and sexual orientation are valuable and an asset to our organization.

Our mission? Equal justice for all. In your cover letter, tell us how your background can amplify this cause. Let’s change our lives together.

Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives.

Primary Responsibilities :

Direct ambitious plans for the development and execution of mission-aligned annual fundraising plans toward annual budgeted revenue of $26 million.

Develop agency’s growth strategy for foundations, corporations, and individual donor base, which includes implementing annual fundraising plans for major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events prospecting.

Coordinate the activities of Manager of The Fund for Legal Aid and other development staff, including the Executive Director, in working with The Fund’s Board of Directors to develop strong donor relationships within the legal community, foster giving within the legal community, produce the annual Law Day Dinner, and develop a growth strategy for The Fund for Legal Aid.

Lead stewardship and strengthen existing relationships with institutional and individual donors.

Identify and cultivate major gift and grant prospects and corporate and foundation donors.

Leverage their communication skills to build a robust network of supporters and partners, including government, philanthropy, and individual community members.

Partner with Communications Director and other leaders to communicate our impact externally to donors and funders.

Manage and lead a trusted team of fundraising professionals, providing guidance, training, and support.

Working closely with management and finance team, identify trends, financial vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities based on funding landscape.

Collaborate with the MMLA Board of Directors and Executive Director to align fundraising strategies with the organization’s mission and values.

Serve as member of MMLA’s senior Management Committee, sharing in overseeing and directing the administration and advancement of organization.

Required Qualifications :

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles

7 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising or development roles

Working knowledge of donor management tools and technologies

Strong communication and people skills; writing, public speaking, and presentation

Knowledge or familiarity with the local philanthropic community

Experience making major donor asks

Preferred Qualifications :

4-year degree preferred, or demonstrated career experience

Commitment to social justice

Salesforce experience or similar CRM platform

Entrepreneurial spirit

Compensation Information :

101,674 to $126,041 per year, depending on experience. The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on our commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

Benefits include family medical and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with employer match, FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off

Application Submission :

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, diversity statement, and references at https : / / mylegalaid.org / employment.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Megan Cook at mcook@mylegalaid.org.

Please direct all other inquiries to hiring@mylegalaid.org.

Affirmative Action / EEO statement

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We hire, support, and promote talented individuals using a process that is fair and equitable to all that apply. We value unique perspectives and backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the nonprofit and legal sector. Studies show that individuals from marginalized groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of listed qualifications. If this role aligns with your passion and skills, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every criterion listed.

Salary : $101,674 - $126,041

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